Every Saturday morning from October through the second Saturday in November, Eclectic Etceteras coffeehouse, located at 118 Erie St. in Edinboro, will be hosting an artists' bazaar.
This series will take place in the front room of the coffee house from 10 a.m. to noon.
The bazaar gives local artists the opportunity to both showcase and sell their work to the community.
Owner Renee Thayer-Allison encourages members of the community and students alike to come out and "show their local artists some support."
Participation in the bazaars is not limited to students at Edinboro University; local artists are encouraged to participate as well.
"I am trying to provide local artists with an opportunity to generate some cash using their talents,"?said Thayer-Allison, commenting on her motive for beginning this weekly bazaar.
She knows how expensive and time-consuming art can be and that a lot of artists-especially students-do not have free time for employment.
The bazaar "provides people with the opportunity to meet the artists and talk to them about their work," she said.
Thayer-Allison explained that this process "makes the items for sale that much more personal."
The bazaar is open to all artists looking to showcase their handcrafted work.
Items include knits, paintings, ceramics, buttons and postcards, to name just a few.
During the bazaars Eclectic Etceteras will be selling its baked goods and coffee alongside the artists.
Depending on the turnout and eventual success of the bazaar, Eclectics Etceteras is willing to modify the hours of the event.
Thayer-Allison is willing to extend the hours until mid-afternoon, depending on availability of facilities.
For now artists can depend on the advertised 10 a.m. to noon time slot as being a constant.
Eclectic Etceteras asks a $10 fee per table per week. All money from the table fees will go toward advertising and future bazaars.
Participants are asked to provide their own tables or let Thayer-Allison know in advance so she can provide them.
Thayer-Allison said that no one will be turned away from the bazaars.
Room will be made for everyone wanting to participate. In case of over-crowding, tables will be shared to make room for all participants.
Artists who are selling their works are reminded that they need to be able to make their own change from sales. Cash is the recommended form of paym
ent, and any other forms will be considered on a case-to-case basis
. No transactions for the bazaar will be conducted through the register in Eclectic Etceteras.
Homecoming weekend marked the very first artists' bazaar.
Although only one crafter showed up, she walked away with a $60 from her sale of hand-crafted hats and scarves.
Thayer-Allison explained the convenience of the bazaar taking place this close to the holiday season.
"It's an excellent place to find unique Christmas gifts for people shopping with a budget," she said.
The bazaar provides an opportunity for consumers to purchase items they would not find in a regular store.
Thayer-Allison would like to see this series of bazaars open the door for something much bigger next fall, perhaps held in town at Nature's Outlet.
"We are hoping to use this as a pilot program," she said,
"possibly for an artist-type flea market."
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